Benga MusicDafne

Origins● 1940s● Nairobi (Kenya)● Influenced by Luo music and Rumba● Popular music● Dance music

Instruments● Guitars● Bass guitar● Percussion

Characteristics (Instruments)● Lead guitar = core● Fast paced rhythmic beat

o strange beat: combination of lead guitar overriding the rhythm and bass

● Bouncy finger picking guitar techniqueo notes are plucked and picked (rapidly)

● Pace: o steady rise to climax (crescendo)o quick chorus.

● Bass guitar is played in the style of the nyatiti (syncopated melodies)

Characteristics (Lyrics) ● Lyrics in Luo● Topics that the songs tackle:

o important social eventso political dramao loveo moneyo people

Notable Musicians● Shirati Jazz (founded by Daniel Owino

Misiani)● One of the most important Benga musicians● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWZy0l6

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Works Cited"Benga Music." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Nov. 2014. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benga_music>.

"The History Of Benga Music: A Report by Ketebul Music." Singing Wells. Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://www.singingwells.org/stories/the-history-of-benga-music-a-report-by-ketebul-music/>.